Senior Pet Awareness Month: Why you should consider a senior pet
When we’re looking to adopt a new pet, we often look at the smallest or youngest of the animals available. Kittens and puppies have much higher adoption rates than their senior counterparts, leading to older pets spending months or years in a shelter before they are adopted. Senior pets are ten times less likely to be adopted than younger animals.
Senior pets are overlooked in the adoption process because of common misconceptions associated with their care. Whether it’s the high cost of their care and medications, the fear that they are too sick to care for or their misunderstood personalities, senior pets are left for longer periods of time without any adoption possibilities.
November is both Senior Pet Month and Adopt a Senior Pet Month. This month is a great time to raise awareness of some of the struggles senior pets face in the adoption process, as well as caring for aging pets. There are many benefits of adopting a senior dog or cat and by highlighting these benefits, we hope senior pets will be given the chance they deserve to find their forever homes.
Reasons why senior pets are often overlooked
There are several common reasons why senior pets are often overlooked in the adoption process.
As senior pets age, they begin to experience a variety of different physical changes, just as humans do. While these changes can influence a cat’s activity and energy levels, not all cats will experience serious health issues. Many people often assume senior pets are less active than younger animals. They may have to slow down a little, but senior pets still require regular exercise. Gentle, shorter playtime sessions are a great way to keep senior cats engaged. A proper diet, exercise and regular vet checkups can ensure your senior pet lives a healthy life.
Another reason people look to adopt younger animals over senior ones is the misconception that senior pets are less affectionate or grumpy. Senior animals may experience mood changes, along with physical changes, as they age. However, many senior pets tend to soften as they age, seeking more affection from their owners. If a senior cat does show more aggressive or angry behaviour, it’s often because of an underlying issue such as pain or discomfort. All pets need to adapt to the new environments they are brought into, including senior pets. They will require patience and time to settle into their new homes and get comfortable with their new owners, regardless of age.
Many people may also avoid adopting a senior animal because they worry about the pet passing away too soon. There is never a guarantee when adopting a new pet, but senior pets can live long and healthy lives.
Benefits of owning a senior animal
While they may experience physical and social changes, senior pets can make excellent companions and have a lot to offer.
There are several benefits to adopting a senior pet:
Senior pets come with fully developed personalities, allowing you to choose a pet with a personality and temperament that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
As they have slowed down with age, senior pets are often lower maintenance than younger animals, bringing a calm demeanor, while enjoying gentler playtimes and peaceful environments.
By adopting a senior pet, you are providing an animal with a second chance to live out their golden years in a loving and happy home. As they often are left at shelters through no fault of their own, senior pets are grateful for the second chance and will express their gratitude through affection and loyalty.
Purrfect Seniors
Here at Purrfect Seniors, we’re helping senior cats find their forever homes by covering the care costs of senior cats and removing adoption barriers. Through our sponsorship program, we cover ongoing medical costs and provide support to pet owners to allow them to provide the best possible life for their new senior cat.
November is the perfect time to consider adopting a senior pet and learning the ways to best care for a senior pet, should you choose to adopt one. If you already own a senior pet, this month is a great time to shower them with extra love to show them your care and appreciation. By raising awareness of how great senior pets can be, senior pet adoption rates can be improved, giving more senior pets a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
